Second Helpings: Mini restaurant reviews

Published 5:43 pm, Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Second Helpings features condensed versions of the restaurant reviews that run in the Sunday Unwind section. On Sundays, Order Up — reviews of inexpensive eateries — runs every other week, alternating with Matters of Taste restaurant reviews. In Preview, we bring you tasty selections from both to help you plan.

Cuisine: Authentic, old-world Polish cuisine based on smoked sausages, stuffed cabbage leaves, pierogies, and smoked meats from Chester's Smokehouse and Deli in Albany. Ambience: Counter service, no-frills, family-friendly dining in a former Pizza Hut that retains much of its original charm and is kept at a challengingly chilly temperature. Price: $-$$$

Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, closed Monday. (A buffet lunch will be offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday later this summer.)

Chez Nous, 707 Union St., Schenectady, 344-6393, www.cheznousschenectady.com Cuisine: A hearty selection of regional dishes inspired by classical French cuisine, from escargots to ratatouille and lobster Thermidor. Light bar menu available. Ambience: A mix of casual French country and fine dining. Downstairs is brightly lit with a mature crowd. The bar, upstairs library and salon are more ambient and private. Price: $$. Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.

Hamlet & Ghost, 24 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 450-7287, www.hamletandghost.com Cuisine: A scratch kitchen sending out playful fusion cuisine in a mix of small plates that varies daily. Tapas on Tuesdays. Ambience: With its open aspect, H&G is more bar than hush-hush speakeasy, but vintage styling, handcrafted cocktails, a stellar playlist (think Grandmaster Flash meets Notorious B.I.G.) and a restrained hand at the door keep the relaxed vibe oh so civilized. Be smart and make a reservation. Live music on Wednesdays. Price: $-$$$. Hours: 5 p.m. to midnight Monday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday. Summer hours: open daily.

Ambience: Lively Louisiana beer hall. Nola-themed dining room and bar area is separate to the rear stage, though live music nights can be loud. Price: $-$$ (Cover charge is $5 to $25 for live shows.) Hours: Kitchen: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday, although open during NFL season, special music events and large Times Union Center events. Bar exercises flexible closing times.

Hours: 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily: bar menu, 3 to 5:30 p.m.; dinner, 5:30 to 10 p.m.; late-night menu, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Also, brunch starts at 9 a.m. Sunday The Side Room at The Inn at Saratoga, 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 583-1890, www.theinnatsaratoga.com Cuisine: An wide-ranging mix of casual American fare (in small or shared plates) and fine-dining classics. Mixed execution with some standout dishes. The blended Side Room and Tavern menu includes shared cheese and charcuterie boards, a popular 8-ounce burger and a gentleman's tea. Ambience: Vintage Victorian with promising appeal, but The Side Room is often empty in contrast to the live music and regulars in the tavern. The front porch may pull in more of a crowd during track season. The back courtyard is limited to private events. Prices: $$. Hours: The Side Room: 5 to 9 p.m. daily. The Tavern: 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sunhee's Farm and Kitchen, 95-97 Ferry St., Troy, 272-3413, www.sunhees.com Cuisine: Familiar Korean dishes that lend themselves to fast casual take out preparation including dumplings, noodles, bibimbap and bulgogi. Vegan and gluten-free options. Beer, wine and dessert bar coming soon. Ambience: Welcoming eatery and marketplace that blends traditional Korean and rural farm elements in a fast casual take-out setting. Price: $ Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday.